LanguageTool

QOwnNotes can use a local or remote LanguageTool service for optional grammar and style checking in the note editor.

It complements the existing spellchecking support instead of replacing it.

Features

  • Colored underlines for detected grammar, style, punctuation, and typography issues
  • Context-menu suggestions for replacements
  • More info... links for rules that provide extra documentation
  • Ignore this rule actions for rules you do not want to see again
  • A quick toggle in the Spelling menu with Check grammar with LanguageTool

Setup

Open Settings -> Editor and configure the LanguageTool section.

  • Turn on Enable grammar and style checking with LanguageTool
  • Set the Server URL
    • Local servers can use something like http://localhost:8081
    • QOwnNotes automatically uses the /v2/check endpoint on that server
  • Choose the Language
    • Auto-detect is available
    • You can also enter a custom language code if needed
  • Add an optional Username and API key for LanguageTool Premium or another LanguageTool service that requires authentication
    • Set the Server URL to https://api.languagetoolplus.com to use the LanguageTool Premium service
    • Both fields are sent together; leave them empty for a local or free server that needs no credentials
  • Adjust the Check delay to control how long QOwnNotes waits after typing before sending a request
  • Select which categories should be checked
    • Spelling
    • Grammar
    • Style
    • Punctuation
    • Typography

Use Test Connection to verify that the configured service is reachable.

How It Works

  • QOwnNotes checks visible editor blocks instead of the whole document at once
  • Empty lines, headings, and code blocks are skipped
  • Requests are debounced so the service is not queried on every keystroke
  • Results are shown inline in the Markdown editor

Notes

  • LanguageTool support is optional and depends on the feature being enabled in your build
  • If the service cannot be reached, QOwnNotes shows a warning and stops checking until it is available again
  • You can use it with a local self-hosted LanguageTool server or another compatible LanguageTool endpoint